TTC Gold Pink vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options for those seeking a linear typing experience, yet they offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gold Pink switches are renowned for their exceptionally light 37g actuation force, making them ideal for users who prioritize speed and agility, whether for fast-paced gaming or rapid typing tasks. Their clacky sound provides a satisfying auditory feedback that enhances the overall experience. In contrast, the Yunhai switches also feature a very light actuation force, but they stand out with their deeper, rounded sound profile, which appeals to typists who enjoy a softer, more muted experience. While both switches promise a unique feel and responsiveness, the Gold Pink leans towards a lively and energetic typing sensation, while the Yunhai offers a gentler and more subdued approach. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Pink and TTC Yunhai exhibit contrasting characteristics in their top housing materials, namely polycarbonate and nylon, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Gold Pink's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, a result of polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This material's ability to create a clear and resonant sound profile makes it especially advantageous for setups utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, traditionally recognized for its softer characteristics, which yield a deeper and fuller auditory experience. The nylon absorbs more sound, thereby mitigating sharpness and contributing to a duller, rounder sound profile. These contrasting materials highlight distinct auditory experiences that can be tailored depending on user preference.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Gold Pink and Yunhai share a commonality: they both feature nylon as their base material. This alignment in bottom housing composition brings about a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The soft texture of nylon effectively absorbs vibrations, resulting in a muted sound that can enhance the overall typing experience. Typing on either switch will elicit a similarly rich and warm acoustic response from the bottom housing, given that the characteristics of nylon remain consistent across both models. Thus, while the top housings significantly differentiate the auditory qualities of each switch, the bottom housing aligns their overall performance when it comes to sound feedback.
In summary, the distinct features of the top housing materials for the TTC Gold Pink and Yunhai present a clear contrast, emphasizing the role of polycarbonate in creating a sharper sound versus nylon's contribution to deeper acoustics. However, the bottom housings equalize the experience, as both switches utilize nylon, resulting in a similar sound characteristic. This initiative reflects how differences in the top housing can shape the typing experience while the similarity in the bottom housing allows for unified sound absorption traits, illustrating the overall complexity and design intentions behind mechanical switch construction. Understanding these nuanced attributes helps users make informed decisions based on personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, both switches feature relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The Gold Pink switch has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Yunhai switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Gold Pink switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it the lighter option between the two. In contrast, the Yunhai's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Although both switches are categorized as light, the difference in their forces suggests that users seeking either a softer feel (Gold Pink) or a firmer push (Yunhai) will find distinct experiences based on their preferences in actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Gold Pink linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Gold Pink switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Yunhai switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Gold Pink provides a more pronounced key press, appealing to those who prefer a deeper and more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch caters to users looking for quicker response times, making it more suitable for fast-paced gaming due to its shorter travel distance. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Yunhai would be the better choice, but if you value a more tactile experience, the Gold Pink would be preferable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Pink has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Pink for $4.28.
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The sound profile of the TTC Gold Pink switch is characterized by a clacky quality, which provides a lively auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find satisfying during their sessions. This pronounced sound not only engages the user but also offers a more interactive experience with each keystroke. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a deep, rounded sound profile that emphasizes a gentler auditory presence. This quieter sound signature may not be as attention-grabbing, but it creates a more subdued environment, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer sonic experience while typing.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Pink offers a combination of buttery smoothness and feathery lightness. The buttery quality ensures a seamless keystroke experience, while the feathery actuation force means minimal exertion is required, reducing finger fatigue during extensive use. Additionally, the Gold Pink’s mild characteristics create a typing experience that is approachable for a broad range of users. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch is known for its light, gentle feel, though specific descriptors for its tactile experience are not provided. However, given its light actuation force, it is reasonable to assume that it may also offer a comfortable typing experience, albeit with a different tactile feedback compared to the Gold Pink.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Pink and Yunhai switches cater to users who appreciate lighter actuation forces, but they diverge in sound and feel. The Gold Pink’s clacky and lively sound adds to its engaging and buttery typing sensation, while the Yunhai's deeper, rounder sound promotes a more serene typing atmosphere. Ultimately, both switches are designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, making them excellent options for rapid typists and gamers alike, though they may appeal to different preferences in terms of auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the TTC Gold Pink and the TTC Yunhai linear switches, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and intended use cases. If you're someone who prioritizes a fast, effortless typing experience and enjoys the feedback of a slightly clacky sound, the Gold Pink switches are an excellent choice. Their lightweight actuation and buttery feel make them ideal for rapid typing sessions or intense gaming marathons, where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you lean towards a deeper, more rounded sound profile and prefer a gentler push under your fingers, the Yunhai switches may be the better option for you. Their subtle resistance combined with a soothing auditory experience makes them perfect for extended typing sessions, particularly in environments where noise control is important. In essence, the Gold Pink is all about speed and liveliness, while the Yunhai focuses on comfort and a pleasant, mellow typing experience. Choose based on these factors, and you’ll find that each switch brings its own unique benefits to your mechanical keyboard setup.